Top 40 Unsigned and Uncommitted Seniors

The NCAA recruiting period has garnered a couple of new commitments in Louisiana. Ruston big man Rollin Belton Rollin Belton 6'7" | PF Ruston | 2021 State LA committed to play in the MAAC at Marist College while All-state member and state champion guard Jaden Shelvin Jaden Shelvin 6'2" | CG St. Thomas More | 2021 State LA of St. Thomas More committed to play with the Patriots of Dallas Baptist University. Even with these commitments, there are still some seniors who would be a good fit for various basketball institutions near and far.

John Mitchell John Mitchell 6'3" | CG Captain Shreve | 2021 State LA / 6’4" / Captain Shreve

Mitchell has one of the most versatile skill sets in the 2021 class.  He has had to play in the post a large portion of his high school career so he knows how to handle himself on the block.  I think people are surprised when they see him lead the break or shoot the three.  Make no mistake though, Mitchell can do it all.  He rebounds like a power forward and powers through contact a lot to score.  Mitchell shoots a slew of free throws as well.  He is a double-double waiting to happen most nights and is one of the most difficult covers in Louisiana prep hoops.  A next level school will be getting a basketball player in every sense of the word with Mitchell.  

Da’tayvious Gabriel Da’tayvious Gabriel 6'5" | SF St. Martinville | 2021 State LA / 6’5" / St. Martinville

Gabriel is as athletic as they come in the Boot.  He has several highlight reel worth dunks that show how well he elevates and punishes the rim.  Gabriel also runs the floor very well.   What I liked seeing from him this season is how he has tried to score in different ways offensively.  He has shot the three better and with more confidence.  Gabriel is not afraid to mix it up on the boards either.  On the defensive end, he is a wing who can defend four postions and hold his own at each one.  While the Tigers have struggled somewhat this season, Gabriel is a prospect who can make a difference when he is on the floor.  

Darrien Perry Darrien Perry 6'1" | PG Plain Dealing | 2021 State LA / 6’1" / Plain Dealing

Perry is one of the guards who has been hurt the most by Covid and how games have been scheduled.  The Lions have only played seven games and Perry has not had much of a rhythm.  However, the games against Airline and Bossier helped him catch some of that missed rhythm.  He may have only scored 16 against the Vikings but controlled the offense for the Lions and made plays for others.  Against Bossier, Perry went deep into his offensive bag to the tune of 32 points.  He knows how to score and facilitate which makes him a point guard who can adapt to what a coach wants from him on the next level. 

Gage Larvadain Gage Larvadain 5'9" | PG Riverside | 2021 State LA / 5’10" / Riverside Academy

Larvadain was a member of the Riverside all tournament team just last week.  That recognition during his home tournament was a reflection of what he has been doing on the court all season.  Larvadain is a marksman from deep.  He pumped in nine three pointers earlier in the season during a game and has legitimate NBA range.  Larvadain is the lead guard of a team who is the #1 in Division IV and has a legitimate chance at a state title.  Gage is also a legitimate football prospect and would not be surprised if he ends up at an institution that has interest in him playing both.  He is that good of an athlete.  

Devonte Austin Devonte Austin 6'0" | CG Wossman | 2021 State LA / 6’1" / Wossman

Austin has been the best player on the best team in class 3A.  Wossman has always been a tough team to play under Coach Casey Jones due to their height and defense.  This season, they have been offensively challenged at times.  That is where Austin has stepped in.  He has had multiple 20-plus halves scoring the rock carrying the Wildcat offense.  Austin has expanded his game to consistently making the three and has a short pull up jumper as well.  He still drives to the hole and absorbs contact for finishes.  Austin should continue to turn heads as Wossman tries to win a 3A title this season.  

Lorenzo Caldwell Lorenzo Caldwell 6'5" | SF Slidell | 2021 State LA / 6’4" / Slidell

Early in the season, the Slidell wing had his game on full display when they were attempting a comeback against Hahnville.  Caldwell had a steal and dunk, rebounded in traffic, and pushed the ball in transition situations.  He has the ability to shoot the three as well and is a solid defender against wing players.  Caldwell is also a fiery competitor and will not back down from the opposition.  Schools looking for a long and rangy wing would do well to bring him into the fold.  He can make plays on both ends of the floor.  

Shammah "Cinco" Bryant / 6’5" / Bossier

When I think of a player who fits all the measurables, Shammah Bryant Shammah Bryant 6'5" | SF Bossier | 2021 State LA is one of the first players that comes to mind.  First of all, he is long.  In addition to his length, he can explode off the floor to the rim.  Bryant can block shots out of his area and run the floor.  He has improved on putting the ball and the floor and getting to the hoop and makes defenders honor his shooting ability in the mid-range.  Bryant is one of the most athletic players in the Boot.  He is attempting to help Bossier repeat as state titlist and is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class. 

Kashie Natt Kashie Natt 6'2" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA / 6’2" / Rayville

While he might end up playing wide receiver at a next level school, Natt is a very interesting guard prospect.  He is a constant double-double kid for a Rayville team who is height-challenged.  Natt defends all five positions on a high school floor using his strength and leverage.  He is a tenacious rebounder who scores off of putbacks and free throw attempts.  Natt can push in transition, spot up and shoot off of ball reversals, and penetrate the paint.  His effort is infectious as well.  All of these traits landed him on the all-state, first team last year.  Rayville is #1 in class 2A again and he is one of the driving forces behind that.

Taj Gilyot Taj Gilyot 6'3" | SG McMain | 2021 State LA / 6’5" / McMain

The Mustang lefty is as solid as they get from the three point arc.  He is a player who has to be accounted for at all times.  Earlier this season, he displayed the ability to use the pump fake to create clear shooting space for himself.  Gilyot is good at setting his feet and using subtle moves to create space for his shot as well.  A prep with his height that shoots the three well is hard to come by in this state.  Gilyot should have suitors for his skill set at various next level schools.  

While Division I is still relegated to virtual recruiting, schools in the other divisions as well as NAIA schools may be able to secure commitments from this group of preps.  Louisiana has an interesting group of seniors who will continue to get some looks as the recruiting period continues on through mid-spring.